US Team For Grand Prix Miami Takes Shape Like Who s Who

The U.S. team roster for USA Judo's Grand Prix Miami next month is looking like a 'Who's Who' of the sport with representation coming from throughout the nation, New York to California.

U.S. World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist Mike Swain has described the Grand Prix Miami, June 15-16, as the most prestigious judo event ever on home soil. And with that distinction comes a mission, to make it a showcase for talent and an example to the world of what USA Judo can do.

As the host nation, the United States can send four athletes per weight division. All other nations can send two per division. Making the decisions about who fills those gis is to a large degree predetermined by the national ranking rosters. So these athletes are, indeed, the best in the country, and they will certainly be facing the best that Russia, France, Cuba, China and any other participating nation can put forward. USA Judo is expecting fighters from as many as 100 countries to converge on Miami for this benchmark event.

To name just a few of the extraordinary U.S. athletes set to scale the brackets: Olympic Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison (USA Judo Training Site at Pedro's Judo Center/NYAC, Wakefield, Mass.) will be fighting at 70 kg, a weight division down from her historic victory in London. Veronica Prado, 48 kg. and Angelica Delgado, 52 kg. both from USA Judo Training Site at Ki-Itsu-Sai, in Coral Springs, FL., Olympic Bronze Medalist Marti Malloy, 57 kg (USA Judo Training Site, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA), Hannah Martin, 63 kg, (Jason Morris Judo, Glenville, NY).

Get the complete ROSTER, keeping in mind that a few other spots may still be filled. You'll be able to follow your favorites live via IPPON.TV but, of course, the only way to REALLY see this event is live. Go to the EXPERIENCE for information on several extraordinary hospitality packages, including attractive rooms, being offered by USA Judo for the best view of the best athletes in the world.